RESEARCH GUIDE:
ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
Topics On This Page:
In the Library
The Architecture of Happiness
by Alain de Botton
Considers how our built environment affects our happiness and well-being
Building for Life : Designing and Understanding the Human-Nature Connection
by Stephen R. Kellert
Examines the relationship between human well-being and nature, and explores design solutions to restore and enhance those connections
Environmental Psychology for Design
by Dak Kopec
Explores the interaction between environments and human behavior and well-being, highlighting how differences in age, gender and cultural background influence that interaction
The Great Good Place : Cafés, Coffee Shops, Bookstores, Bars, Hair Salons and Other Hangouts at the Heart of a Community
by Ray Oldenburg
Discusses the concept of a “third place”, outside of home and work, where people gather, and what makes a space work as a “third place”
The Hidden Dimension
by Edward T. Hall
Examines ideas about personal space and how the use of space influences human behavior
House Form and Culture
by Amos Rapoport
Explores the wide variety of vernacular housing around the world and how culture has shaped these environments
House Thinking : A Room-by-Room Look at How We Live
by Winifred Gallagher
Discusses the factors that affect how a house feels, beyond how it looks
Inquiry by Design : Environment / Behavior / Neuroscience in Architecture, Interiors, Landscape, and Planning
by John Zeisel
Presents research methods for planning, programming, designing, and evaluating physical environments and their affects on human behavior
A Place of My Own : The Architecture of Daydreams
by Michael Pollan
Relates the author’s experience building “a place of his own” and what he discovered about the connections between architecture and people
The Power of Place : How Our Surroundings Shape Out Thoughts, Emotions, and Actions
by Winifred Gallagher
Examines the ways in which physical environments affect human behavior and well-being
Public Space
by Stephen Carr et al.
Looks at the ways people use and value public space, and how those factors should influence the design of public spaces
Online
Environmental Psychology | Psychology Today
Covers residential and commercial spaces, product design, material culture, how our environments affect our health, and climate change
InformeDesign : Where Research Informs Design (archive)
Provides summaries, written specifically for designers and architects, of the latest research related to how natural and built environments affect the people who use and inhabit them (archived version available through the Wayback Machine on the Internet Archive)
Inquiry | InformeDesign
Each Inquiry course summarizes evidence from a set of InformeDesign Research Summaries in a particular area such as daylighting, workplace design, or how culture influences design
Therapeutic Landscapes Network
Explores the connections between gardens and landscapes and the health and well-being of the people who use them. Includes information about feng shui and vastu principles
In the Library
The Accessible Housing Design File
Covers the entire site of a home, from parking to kitchens and bathrooms, and includes architectural plans, drawings and elevations
The Colour, Light, and Contrast Manual : Designing and Managing Inclusive Built Environments
by Keith Bright and Geoff Cook
Provides information on how color, natural and artificial light, and contrast work together to affect visibility, and how designers can apply this knowledge to create spaces accessible to all
“Extra-Ordinary” Ergonomics : How to Accommodate Small and Big Persons, the Disabled and Elderly, Expectant Mothers and Children
by Karl H.E. Kroemer
Explores universal design solutions that remain functional throughout the lifespan, and includes charts, diagrams and design standards
Inclusive Design : A Universal Need
by Linda L. Nussbaumer
Covers the principles of universal design in residential, commercial and product design. Includes plans and elevations
Universal Design Handbook
edited by Wolfgang Preiser and Elaine Ostroff
Covers all aspects of universal design in residential, commercial, product and technology design around the world. Includes chapters on housing, kitchens, bathrooms, offices, schools, sports and entertainment facilities, play areas, public spaces, and more
Wayfinding : Designing and Implementing Graphic Navigational Systems
by Craig Berger
Covers signage systems for all types of facilities, including healthcare, corporate, sports, and education, with guidelines for accessibility throughout along with color photographs and diagrams
Online
The Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University
Provides articles, case studies, research reports, and links to websites related to all aspects of universal design
Design Objective: Accessible | Whole Building Design Guide
Explains why universal design is important and how to make a building accessible, with color photographs and links to further information
The Principles of Universal Design | Institute for Human Centered Design
Covers the seven principles of designing for all ages, abilities and circumstances
The Vision Simulator | Lighthouse International
Watch a YouTube video through filters that simulate different types of visual impairments, so that you see what a person with that impairment would see
In the Library
Time-Saver Standards
The Time-Saver Standards series provides design, architecture and construction standards for all types of projects, including standard layouts and plans
Applying the ADA : Designing for The 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design in Multiple Building Types
by Marcela Abadi Rhoads
Covers general guidelines, hospitality, healthcare, senior living facilities, amusement parks, play areas, residential projects, historic preservation projects, and remodels, highlighting the principles of universal design beyond ADA requirements. Illustrated with photographs, plans and drawings
Online
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
Provides free online access to the full text of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design for new construction and renovations, along with additional guidance about what the standards mean and how to apply them
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